METH LABS A RESULT OF FAILED WAR ON DRUGS

Louisiana's hazardous methamphetamine labs are reminiscent of the deadly
exploding liquor stills that sprang up throughout the nation during alcohol
prohibition (Meth: The Next Drug Epidemic or Hype?, Aug. 14). Drug policies
modeled after alcohol prohibition have given rise to a youth-oriented black
market. Illegal drug dealers don't ID for age, but they do recruit minors
immune to adult sentences. So much for protecting the children.

Throwing more money at the problem is no solution. Attempts to limit the
supply of illegal drugs while demand remains constant only increase the
profitability of drug trafficking. In terms of addictive drugs like meth, a
spike in street prices leads desperate addicts to increase criminal
activity to feed desperate habits. The drug war doesn't fight crime; it
fuels crime.

Taxing and regulating marijuana, the most popular illicit drug, is a
cost-effective alternative. There is a big difference between condoning
marijuana use and protecting children from drugs. Decriminalization
acknowledges the social reality of marijuana use and frees users from the
stigma of life-shattering criminal records. What's really needed is a
regulated market with age controls. Separating the hard and soft drug
markets is critical.

As long as marijuana distribution remains in the hands of organized crime,
consumers will continue to come into contact with addictive drugs like
meth. Given that marijuana is arguably safer than legal alcohol - the plant
has never been shown to cause an overdose death - it makes no sense to
waste tax dollars on failed policies that finance organized crime and
facilitate the use of hard drugs. Drug policy reform may send the wrong
message to children, but I like to think the children themselves are more
important than the message.

Robert Sharpe, program officer

Drug Policy Alliance

Washington, D.C.